French satellite operator; third-largest by revenue, with OneWeb as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink.
Isar Aerospace has reached orbit on its second Spectrum flight and has deployed small satellites, making it the first purely commercial European launcher to do so. The success has prompted company plans to scale production and expand launch capacity as European governments and private firms ramp up investment in sovereign space capability.
Jio Platforms has opened an initial public offering to raise 302bn rupees to repay telecom debt and fund growth, offering shares at 1,065–1,119 rupees and targeting a roughly 10.3tn-rupee valuation. Global fund managers and dozens of anchor investors have backed the deal, while a separate spat between Elon Musk and Reliance over Starlink approvals remains unresolved.
Ukrainian defense sources have disclosed a disruption to SpaceX’s Starshield system, the military version of Starlink, affecting drone operations and front-line logistics. Officials say speeds above 100 mph were restricted, with some units experiencing cutoffs at 45 mph. By Thursday, services had largely resumed, but the incident highlights Ukraine’s dependence on SpaceX and the challenge of diversifying communications amid escalating tensions with external powers.
SpaceX’s CEO has promised to give one SpaceX share to every American child next year, signaling a broader plan of repeated gifts. Separately, Starshield is described as government-owned and controlled, with speed and use limits being set by the US military and the president, while Starlink remains under SpaceX control.
Ukraine has signed a letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE to develop new defense and satellite-comms capabilities as Starlink faces restrictions. Disruptions have raised questions about dependence on SpaceX and spurred interest in sovereign and rival satellite networks; debates in Washington and Europe over accountability intensify as governments explore next steps.